Theoretical Physics with Mathematics (Study Abroad) MSci Hons

What Will You Study

Taught jointly with Lancaster’s Department of Mathematics, our degree in Theoretical Physics with Mathematics combines core Physics and specialised Theoretical Physics subjects with classes in Pure Mathematics. This equips you with an understanding of the mathematical foundations of Physics – for example you will learn how quantum mechanics is underpinned by the powerful mathematical concept of a Hilbert space.

In your first year you will cover the core of Physics in courses such as Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism, and the core of Mathematics including real and complex analysis and algebra. In years two and three, the core Physics courses are complemented by courses from the Theoretical Physics scheme and Mathematical topics such as group theory and functional analysis. You will spend your third year studying at one of our partner universities in the USA or Canada studying the same subjects as at Lancaster.

In your final year you take advanced options such as Quantum Information and Advanced Gravity and Relativity, and complete your extended research project on a topic such as Gravitational Waves, Quantum Computation, Physics of Graphene, Photonic Crystals, and Geometry and Electrodynamics. We offer you a range of possible topics for your extended final year project. Recent project topics include adatoms on graphene, silicine, photonic crystals, topological insulators, fundamentals of radiation reaction and gravitational waves.

Modules

Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to complement their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied.

Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three units of assessment which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.

Entry Criteria

A-level: A*AA (Physics and Mathematics)

General Studies: Accepted as one of 4 A-levels

Preference: A-levels

Key skills: Not included in offer

Scottish Highers: AAAAB or equivalent, with Advanced Highers in Physics and Mathematics

Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher Level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information

International Baccalaureate: 38 pts overall with 17 pts from three HL subjects including Mathematics and Physics

New UK 'Diploma' & Cambridge Pre-U: Contact us for information

IELTS: 6.0

Careers

Physics is an exciting subject that is fundamental to the developments in modern society. Applications of the subject range from the very pure to the very practical, and a physics degree opens up a wide range of rewarding careers in scientific research and technological development, as well as in a variety of other professions. A substantial number of our graduates continue onto postgraduate education, or enter employment that directly relies on their specialist skills. Our students also find employment in careers where they are valued because of general skills gained during the course such as logical thinking, problem solving, numeracy and computer literacy. Examples include consulting, finance, computer programming, and accountancy, as well as managerial and administrative positions.

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.

Studying

Teaching and Learning Methods

At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lectures, tutorials, interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.

The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using various methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include basic and in-depth questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supervised in the production of final year project reports and dissertations, while students in laboratory classes are supported by demonstrators. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.

In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.

Assessment Methods

We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.

As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.

Funding

Lancaster University has committed £3.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.

Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2015, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2015 we will have the following financial support available:

An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications

An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications

A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600

*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2014.

For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page

Students taking Part I of the course are charged £10 for a bound copy of the lab manual. There are a number of optional one-day visits to places of interest and students pay travel costs.

Students also need to consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation it may be necessary to take out subscriptions to professional bodies and to buy business attire for job interviews.